Seattle University boost tuition to strengthen its standing

Published 10:00 pm, Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Seattle University will spend $173 million in an attempt to become the Northwest's "premier independent university," officials said Tuesday.

But that goal comes with a tuition increase attached.

Starting next fall, SU undergraduates will pay $28,260 annually, 7.5 percent more than they do now. Law students will see a 13 percent rise to $33,720 annually, and other graduate students will pay $518 to $672 per credit -- an increase of more than 4 percent from this year.

University officials say to soften the blow of rising tuition, they've earmarked an additional $4.3 million in financial aid for students.

The Jesuit university's Board of Trustees approved the increased expenditures last week, citing a need for more faculty members and an improved athletic department, among other things.

The board's vote means the budget for 2008-09 will be the largest in SU's history, increasing operating cost investments by more than 7 percent.

"We're writing a new chapter in our history," SU President Stephen Sundborg said in a statement.

With the help of a major fundraising campaign, the "programs and services we're putting in place will dramatically strengthen the university's ability to educate the next generation of ethical, purpose-driven leaders," Sundborg said.

The budget will support the creation of 30 faculty jobs, more than half of which will be tenure-track positions.

The university will dole out $355,000 for operational costs related to moving back to Division I athletic status. The cost of starting golf, tennis and baseball programs are also rolled into the $173 million total, as is student-athlete recruitment.

About $180,000 will be spent increasing staff positions related to student services, including public safety, career development and student health. Other expenditures disclosed by SU include a new Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Strings degree, a $129,000 increase in the school's "mission and ministry" budget, and $120,000 for pay increases for custodial staff.